Splitting pairs
Should I split 8s against a 10?
Yes. Split a pair of 8s when the dealer shows a 10, the same as against every other card.
These answers are for a 6 deck game where the dealer stands on soft 17, blackjack pays 3 to 2, and you can double on any two cards, including after a split.
Why
It feels wrong to put more money out against a 10, and the hand is a losing spot whatever you do. The question is which play loses the least.
Standing on 16 only wins when the dealer busts. Hitting 16 busts you on any card from 6 up. Two hands that each start from 8 can each still make 18 or 19, and over many hands that loses less than either way of playing the 16.
The play against every dealer card
| Dealer shows | Your play |
|---|---|
| 2 to Ace | Split |
Questions players ask
- Should I split 8s against a 10?
- Yes. Split them. It loses less over time than playing the 16.
- Should I surrender 8s against a 10 instead?
- The game these pages cover has no surrender, so the play is to split.
Related answers
- Should I split 8s?
- Should I split 8s against an Ace?
- Should I hit 16 against a 10?
- Blackjack basic strategy chart
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